Since early times, the Catholic Church has had a role in healing and health care for the whole person . . . body, mind and spirit. Parish Nursing blends nursing and ministry with health education and personal health counseling.

Grief Ministry: This ministry provides contact to those grieving the death of a family member through sympathy and support cards, phone calls and visits.

Card Ministry: Letting the sick and grieving know that we care and are praying for them makes a huge difference. This ministry needs card makers or donations of cards.

Drivers for doctor appointments and to church, shopper for homebound, light household tasks: This ministry is perfect for the person with an occasional extra hour or two who wants to make a difference in someone’s life.

Meal Outreach: Volunteers make meals for parishioners with a short-term need due to a time of grieving, illness or other crisis.

Prayer Shawl Ministry: Knit or crochet prayer shawls for people in our parish family who are undergoing times of anxiety or suffering.

Contact: Nancy Ludescher, Parish Nurse, at the Parish Office, 645-8816, ext. 203.

HealthFinders Collaborative

HealthFinders Collaborative Inc. was founded five years ago after St. Dominic’s Health Ministry Committee convened Faribault and Northfield community members. HealthFinders goal is to provide assistance with purchasing prescription medications and accessing free health care. In June 2005, HealthFinders opened its doors providing free healthcare services for low-income, uninsured Rice County residents. The free clinic is open two evenings per week at Little Prairie United Methodist Church, rural Dundas. Staffed by volunteer physicians, nurses, interpreters and receptionists; the clinic has provided more than 1,600 clinic visits and filled more than 2,800 prescription medications since 2005. Patients receive access to clinic care, free medications through our Medication Assistance Program and educational programs like our diabetes and Pura Vida (focusing on weight management and nutrition) programs. HealthFinders depends on donations and fundraising by community members for much of its budget. For further information about the clinic or becoming a volunteer, call the HealthFinders office, 507-330-4031 or 507-663-0134, or visit the HealthFinders website.